First-time Derry show garden designers sought for Bord Bia Bloom

Bord Bia has announced its third annual 'Cultivating Talent' programme which aims to nurture the next generation of garden designers and horticulture professionals.

The ‘Cultivating Talent’ initiative is sponsored by Westland Horticulture and allows first-time show garden designers to flourish at Bord Bia Bloom.

The initiative offers financial support and one-to-one mentoring to a first-time Bord Bia Bloom designer. 

The ’Cultivating Talent’ programme is designed to kick-start the career of motivated show garden designers and has seen emerging talent including Joe Eustace, Nóra Tombor and Sarah Buckley design and deliver exceptional show gardens at Bord Bia Bloom in 2023 and 2024.

Speaking about the experience, Joe Eustace who won the inaugural programme in 2023 and returned to Bord Bia Bloom with his own show garden in 2024 said:

“I was following Bord Bia Bloom for years as a spectator as I had a huge interest in garden and landscape design but I would have always thought it was something that was above me.

I heard about the Cultivating Talent initiative through my college network and going from a spectator to being involved has given me a huge boost as a designer. I would say to anyone thinking of it, apply, apply, apply -100% go for it!”

Kerrie Gardiner, Show Gardens and Horticulture Content Manager, Bord Bia Bloom said:

“We want to create a pipeline of new talent into Ireland’s horticulture industry. Over the years, we have found that many prospective show garden designers do not put themselves forward to design a garden at Bloom as they are concerned about how it will be financed.

Through this initiative, the successful finalist will be provided with funding to create the garden, along with mentoring from one of our award-winning show garden designers. We hope this attractive proposition will bring fresh faces to Bloom and provide first time designers with an opportunity to kick-start their career."

Organisers are looking for designers who have a strong vision for a theme and design that communicates a unique message or story. All gardens should be designed with the environment in mind and measures to support biodiversity should be incorporated as standard.

Bord Bia Bloom takes place from May 29 – June 2 2025.